Tech review: Canon Powershot G7X

Canon has unveiled two new Powershot cameras and a high-end travel lens for its new full-frame mirrorless system.

The company has unveiled the G7X Mark III (€849) and the G5X Mark II (€999), both pocket-sized devices with high-quality one-inch (20-megapixel) sensors and zoom lenses.

The main difference between the two is that the more expensive GX5 Mark II has a pop-up electronic viewfinder and a slightly longer (5x) optical zoom. Meanwhile, the G7X Mark III can live stream to YouTube.

Both cameras have a flip-up screen and fast f1.8-2.8 lenses. Both can shoot crop-free 4K video and up to 30 frames per second.

It is a significant redesign for the G5X Mark II, with the pop-up electronic viewfinder added to allow the camera to become more pocketable, Canon says.

The cameras are due to hit Irish shops in August. Canon is emphasising the G7X III as a tool for video bloggers, with the addition of a microphone port for added audio quality to recordings. (There is no headphone port, like its M50 camera, because of a lack of space on the small body, the company explains.)

The option of a flat colour profile will also appeal to those who may want to use the portable cameras as additional (or ‘B-roll’) cameras on video shoots. And the G7X Mark III can also now film in portrait mode, similar to smartphones. Battery life on the devices is expected to be moderate because of their slim size. Up to 320 shots per charge is what Canon is guiding.

In a first for Canon, older versions of the cameras will remain on sale. This is a tactic that has been used successfully for several years by Sony with many of its mirrorless and digital cameras, particularly its RX and A7 lines.

Meanwhile, Canon has given more detail about what it believes will become a do-it-all travel lens for its full-frame mirrorless RF camera system. The 24-240mm f4-f6.3 (€1,059) combines a much larger range than most other available lenses without being much heavier (750g) or bulkier than Canon’s current RF 24-105mm f4 model.

The lens is expected to appeal to travel photographers trying to keep their kit light.

It has a five-stop instant stabilisation range, allowing for better photography in low light.

It also has new ‘nano USM’ technology, which allows for smoother transitions in auto-focusing.

Canon is expected to offer the lens at a slight discount if purchased with the recently launched Eos RP full-frame mirrorless camera.

It is said to be preparing an announcement around a full professional mirrorless version of its 1DX line.